7 Elite cricketers with a ton for 2 IPL franchises

As the Indian team say adieu to their international duty until ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, we move on to Indian cricket's biggest summer carnival- 12th edition of Indian Premier League.

Though the entire nation is in sorrow state after a heart-breaking series loss against Australia (first home series defeat since losing to South Africa 2-3 in 2015), the mood is said to change as we are just 8 days away from a new season of IPL.

Considering the player's workload before World Cup and security issues due to Indian Parliamentary elections, BCCI as planned to commence IPL in advance on 23rd March 2019, earlier than routine schedule.

In 11 seasons of IPL, a total of 52 centuries has been scored by various franchise players. But then, we are about to witness a list of elite cricketers who have scored centuries for 2 different franchises:

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#7 Adam Gilchrist (DC, KXIP)

Adam Gilchrist- The 'Gilly' behind the wicket

When anyone thinks of a better wicket-keeper than MS Dhoni, the spontaneous answer would be Adam Gilchrist. The former Australian cricketer was always a live-wire behind the wicket and destroyed many opponents with his aggressive brand of batting across formats.

Gilchrist was the captain of the successful Deccan Chargers team which won the title in the second edition. After his move to Punjab in 2011, Gilchrist scored a riveting century against Royal Challengers at Dharamsala and became the first player in IPL to score centuries for 2 different franchises.

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#6 Virender Sehwag (DD, KXIP)

Virender Sehwag- Former Indian Captain

Virender Sehwag was termed as the first Indian cricketer to excel with aggressive brand of cricket. Be it in any format of the game, against any opposition, the star batsman's mindset would be to score boundaries and dominate the opposition even in bowler-friendly conditions.

Sehwag is the only Indian cricketer to feature in this list. With centuries for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Kings XI Punjab, Sehwag became a part of these elite cricketers in 2014.

Recently, Sehwag decided to step down from the post of 'Mentor' of KXIP after guiding the team for previous three seasons.

#5 David Warner (DD, SRH)

David Warner spotted at the Australian Open 2019

After facing a one-year ban from international cricket due to ball-tampering scandal, David Warner is set to return for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, which will be a vital boost for the finalists of the previous edition.

In IPL, Warner has scored 4014 runs, averaging above 40 with 3 blistering centuries (2 for Delhi Daredevils). The 'Pocket-sized dynamite' joined the list after a captain's knock (126 off 59 balls) against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017.

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#4 Brendon McCullum, (KKR, CSK)

Brendon McCullum- One of the coolest cricketers in the World

Renowned known as ' the smiling assassin', Brendon McCullum is one of the beloved cricketer and destructive batsman in the world. The former New Zealand cricketer is considered as the most successful 'Blackcaps' captain after his inspirational leadership in ICC Cricket World Cup, 2015, leading his side to a World Cup final for the first time.

McCullum set the stage on fire in the Inaugural edition of IPL, with his blistering knock of 158* off 73 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first ever IPL match.

In 2015, McCullum's century for Chennai Super Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad helped him to become a part of this list.

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#3 Shane Watson, (RR, CSK)

Shane Watson's longevity in IPL will be a matter of concern due to hamstring problems

None would have still forgotten the epic century scored by Shane Watson in the final of IPL 2018. Dominating the SRH bowlers in the final, he was the protagonist of CSK's emotional comeback title victory.

After an ordinary stint with the RCB for two seasons, Watson silenced his critics with a stellar season of IPL with CSK in the previous edition (2018). Though he couldn't contribute much with the ball, his experience and batting was instrumental in CSK's successful campaign.

Watson initially established his presence with a century against his former IPL team (Rajasthan Royals) in the league stage and thereby became a part of this list in 2018.

#2 AB De Villiers (DD, RCB)

The Return of Duo (Kohli and De Villiers) will be a treat to watch for the Indian fans

Fondly known as the 'Superman of cricket', AB De Villiers is one of the greatest of all time and considered as a rare phenomenon in world cricket. He has been a force to reckon with in all formats of the game with his unorthodox and breath-taking stroke-play.

He shocked his global fans by announcing his retirement from all forms of international cricket, out of the blue. Even after his retirement, he continues to dominate in domestic leagues held in several countries.

In IPL, even though ABD had a good stint with Delhi, his combination with Virat Kohli for RCB raised his game to another level. With a blistering knock of 133* off 59 balls against the Mumbai Indians (2015), he established himself as a part of this list.

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#1 Chris Gayle (RCB, KXIP)

Chris Gayle 2.0

The 'Universe Boss' has been the dominating force in T20 cricket for nearly a decade with 12000+ runs in the format. And when it comes to IPL, Gayle never fails to entertain his fans as he tops the list of No. of centuries (6) scored by an individual in IPL history.

Gayle has been part of 3 franchises (KKR, RCB and KXIP) during his tenure in IPL. But he came into limelight after his move to RCB, where he bludgeoned his opponents at Chinnaswamy stadium, Bengaluru.

Though Gayle has scored 5 centuries for RCB, he became a part of this elite list after his career-rejuvenating knock (For Kings XI) against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2018. His recent form in the ODI series against England would be a vital boost for Kings XI.